Juicing is one of the best ways to get your daily recommended intake of fruits and vegetables. Whether you are a juicing expert or just learning the ropes, it is important to understand the different types of juicers available to you and how each works. Masticating juicers are one of the most popular types of juicers and offer several advantages over the other types. This post aims to explain in detail how masticating juicers work and why they are the preferred choice of many juicing enthusiasts.
How Do Masticating Juicers Work: Explaining The Mechanism
Masticating juicers are renowned for their effectiveness and capacity to juice a variety of fruits and vegetables while preserving enzymes and nutrients. This is as a result of their special mechanism, which grinds and crushes the produce rather than breaking it to extract a premium, nutrient-rich juice.
An auger is used in masticating juicers to crush and grind the produce. The auger is a slow-moving screw with a cone form that revolves against a stationary plate or screen. They are also known as slow juicers or cold-press juicers due to their slow pace taking several minutes to complete. This helps to retain more of the natural enzymes and nutrients from the produce, as well as to reduce oxidation and foam.
Produce is compressed and ground as the auger rotates, releasing juice and some fiber into the juice collection pan. After the juice from the product is extracted, it leaves an almost drier pulp that is gathered in a different container.
The masticating juicer also comes with extra features including an internal pulp ejection mechanism, adjustable pressure settings, and a larger feed tube that let you juice bigger pieces of food.
Read Also: Masticating Juicer Vs Centrifugal Juicer
Different Types Of Masticating Juicers
There are four different types of masticating juicers, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
- Single-Auger Masticating Juicer
- Double-Auger Masticating Juicer
- Triturating Juicer
- Vertical Masticating Juicer
The single-auger juicer is a simple device that extracts juice from fruits and vegetables using a single auger to grind and press the produce.
The twin-gear juicer is more powerful, featuring two interlocking gears that extract more juice from produce than the single-auger model.
The triturating juicer is the most powerful type, featuring two interlocking gears and an additional grinding wheel to break down produce even further.
Finally, the vertical masticating juicer is a newer type that utilizes a vertical auger to grind and press produce, allowing for more efficient juice extraction.
Benefits Of Using A Masticating Juicer
Masticating juicers are popular due to their many benefits. The first benefit is that they can produce higher quality juice than other types of juicers. This is because the slow-speed motor and single-gear design allow for a more thorough extraction of nutrients and juice from fruits and vegetables. This results in a higher yield of juice with a more intense flavor and more vitamins and minerals.
Additionally, masticating juicers produce less foam and pulp, resulting in smoother, more drinkable juice. It also does not produce any heat during masticating, which means no loss of helpful nutrients which we find in the case of other types of juicers.
Lastly, masticating juicers are generally easier to clean than other types of juicers, making them a great choice for busy people or those who want to save time.
How To Use A Masticating Juicer
To use a masticating juicer, begin by preparing fruits and vegetables for juicing. To do this, wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly and cut them into small pieces.
Note: The majority of masticating or slow juicers did not support crushing huge chunks of fruit or whole fruits. The juicer may become clogged in the middle of juicing if you attempt to add whole fruits.
Assemble the masticating juicer according to the instructions in the manual. Place the prepared pieces of fruits and vegetables into the feeding chute and turn on the machine.
The juicer will then extract the juice from the produce and pour it into a container. Once the juicing session is complete, turn off the machine and disassemble it for cleaning.
Where To Buy Masticating Juicer
When searching for the best masticating juicer, it is important to look for one from reputable retailers. Many online retailers including Amazon, eBay, and Wayfair offer a wide selection of masticating juicers, making it easy to compare prices and features.
Additionally, local kitchen supply stores like Walmart, Bed Bath & Beyond, and others often carry a selection of masticating juicers, making it possible to view and test the product before purchase.
Specialty stores, such as health food stores, may also offer a selection of masticating juicers, though they may be more expensive than other outlets.
Regardless of where you purchase a masticating juicer, it is important to ensure that it is of high quality, comes with a warranty, and is easy to clean and operate. For that, you may read reviews and compare features before making a purchase.
Cleaning And Maintenance Tips For Masticating Juicers
Using masticating juicers is a terrific way to squeeze the most nutrition from your produce. But it’s important to maintain regular cleaning and maintenance.
Here are five cleaning and maintenance tips for masticating juicers:
- Clean the juicer’s parts immediately after use. This will help to prevent the buildup of any residue, keeping the juicer in optimal condition.
- Make sure to use a soft brush or a cloth to scrub the juicer’s parts.
- Always use cold water when cleaning the juicer, as hot water can damage the internal parts.
- Check the juicer’s blades regularly and make sure they are sharp and in good condition.
- Make sure to lubricate the juicer’s parts on a regular basis to prevent wear and tear.
FAQs
What are the main components of a masticating juicer?
The gears and auger system (the part of the juicer that chews up the produce).
What types of produce can be juiced in a masticating juicer?
Masticating juicers are a great way to get the most out of your produce. They can juice all kinds of fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens, including carrots, celery, apples, oranges, lemons, limes, beets, cucumbers, spinach, kale, and wheatgrass.
The slow, cold-press juicing process helps to preserve the natural vitamins, minerals, and enzymes found in the produce. It can also extract the most juice from the produce, so you get the most value from your ingredients.
Additionally, masticating juicers can be used to make nut butter and nut milk, adding even more versatility to your kitchen.
How is the juice from a masticating juicer different from other juicers?
The juice from a masticating juicer is smoother, nutrient-dense, and has a longer shelf life.
End Note
Masticating juicers are a great choice for those looking to get the most out of their fruits and vegetables. With its slow and gentle process, masticating juicing ensures that all of the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals are preserved and extracted. This type of juicer is also great for those who are on a budget and want an affordable juicer that will get the job done. Ultimately, masticating juicers are a great choice for anyone looking to get the most out of their juicing experience.
Additional Resources:
- How Does A Cold Press Juicer Work?
- How Does A Steam Juicer Work?
- Blender vs. Juicer vs. Food processor
- How To Use A Juicer Machine?
- How to use a blender as a juicer?